How to Help Seasonal Headaches

Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but many people suffer from seasonal migraines and headaches due to allergies and changes in weather. Most people will reach for ibuprofen or something similar to relieve the symptoms, but there are other options available that can get to the root cause of your problem.

Increased tension can lead to headaches, and this is common as the weather changes. With colder weather, people tend to tense more quickly to protect themselves from the elements. They will shrug their shoulders, pull their heads down, and bend forward. This change in posture puts more strain on the neck and shoulders. The tension in the neck muscles and poor positioning of the neck joints can lead to headaches.

Indoor activities can also put extra stress on the body and lead to tension headaches. As the weather gets colder, people spend more time indoors. This can lead to eye strain or other strain on the neck or upper back from sitting for extended periods of time with less than ideal posture, which can cause tension.

According to this article, people can also become dehydrated in the colder months. When it gets cold, people tend not to drink as much water, and inadequate hydration can cause headaches or trigger migraines.

Massage and Physiotherapy

Massage therapy or physiotherapy are both great ways to treat any seasonal tension. Our therapists work with patients to help ensure they maintain proper posture to keep joints and muscles in optimal and less strained positions. These treatments also restore normal movement to the affected joints and work to release the muscle tension.

Depending on the person’s condition, we may recommend more than one session, as it can take time for the symptoms and tightness to settle down. Patients get home exercises and stretches to increase the effectiveness of their treatments.

Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation also help to reduce muscle tightness and increase blood flow to the affected area. Our therapists use acupuncture to help with sinus headaches and headaches caused by allergies. Acupuncture is also used to relieve sinus pressure and stimulate the allergy and immune points.

Certain lifestyle choices can help alleviate seasonal headaches and migraines. If you know that you tend to get headaches around this time of year, start to track your headaches to determine your triggers. It is helpful to note the weather and any changes you made in your diet or activity on those days. Once you understand your triggers, you can be more proactive in preventing headaches or migraines.

If you have any specific headache concerns, don’t hesitate to give us a call or bring it up at your next appointment. New clients are always welcome, and a doctor’s referral isn’t needed.